I have done the academically unfathomable:

I am resigning my faculty position without another job lined up. While I am 100% confident in my decision, I am also 100% sad.

This did not have to happen. #womeninmedicine 1/

I am not burned out. I love what I do. I love my patients and I love my research. I am not quitting my calling. I am being brave enough to be CEO of my own life. @RUBraveEnough 2/

Why? “Alignment between your career & your core values produces satisfaction, a sense of happiness & fulfillment. A misalignment can cause can everything from minor problems to major disruptions.” 3a/

This article made it abundantly clear. I was always going to struggle where I am.

And I didn’t want to continue to endure this struggle on top of 2020. 3b/ https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2017/11/13/importance-aligning-your-career-your-core-values-essay

Could I have hung on if it weren’t for the pandemic & this dumpster fire of a year?

Maybe. But that is not the reality we are enduring right now.

I am one of a number of midcareer female faculty at my institution who are stepping out of their positions in the past month. 4/

What could have happened differently? I wish people had listened. If a faculty member has a problem or says they are experiencing bias, please listen.

While hearing him/her out may not change the options, they will feel valued as a human 5/

Leaders, don’t act as if all is business as usual. Acknowledge these unbelievably difficult times. Even if business-as-usual conversations need to be had, try starting with empathy. 6/

I have Hope.

My career is not over. My worth is not my job title. My calling is not a position.

I will tirelessly use my voice for vulnerable older adults with cancer & remain committed to improving the care of older adults with myeloma. 7/

I will return to academic medicine and clinical care in time. Mr Dr Wildes and I have a lot to figure out. 8/

My #gerionc crew has been an anchor in this process.
I am forever indebted to @rochgeriMD who gave me the gift of True Belonging when she said "you will never be unaffiliated."
To @IshwariaMD who said "I see you."
To (tagged) who responded “So proud of you!” not “WHAT?!?” 9/

Finally, I am so grateful for prophets like @sashaschilcutt and @brenebrown whose books have helped me make sense of my path through this Wilderness and hopefully walk it with a lot of Grit and a bit of Grace.

Thank you for listening, friends.10/fine

Oops, typos on earlier tags for @rochgerionc and @SashaShillcutt